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“To avoid confusion at this time, I ask that the Titans remain behind the scenes until we can get Solarem back on more sure footing,” Xavier tells Lairus while sizing him up.
I finally take in my surroundings. We’re in the gardens that Posey pulled me to in the backyard of her home with Xavier. Gone is her garish throne. In its place is a small stage with a meager curtain blocking the view of us. Beyond the stage, I can hear the excited but confused chatter of the crowd. Do they know what Posey was doing? That their queen is dead? Are they relieved that all these restrictive measures have been lifted? Do they even understand what was happening behind the scenes?
“You need this.”
I turn to find Xavier ready with a tiara featuring the emblem of Solarem. Every spoke on the crown is a building, each taller than the last as they move from the outside in. It’s a crown meant for the Queen of Solarem.
“Are you proposing before your brother is even dead?” My words lack the bite I want them to have.
Xavier sighs, like he’s tired of my attitude. “No, but we need to present a united front and I thought this would be the best way to do it.”
“Are we not already a united front?”
“We are but–”
I shake my head. “There is no but. Do you want me as your queen?”
Xavier’s eyes flick over my shoulder. I don’t have to wonder who he’s looking at. “No, I have plans for someone else.”
“Look, I’m not saying announce your new queen in the same breath as you tell everyone Posey is gone, but you needherby your side.”
“I don’t know if she actually even wants me.” He sounds so vulnerable, so I hold back the joke I want to make about pineapples. There is something about Cat that has softened this man, and I’m okay with it.
“Neither of you have to decide that now, but the people of Solarem deserve the truth. They have been lied to about Posey and who she is, the same we had been for millennia. This is a time of change, and they’re going to need a strong leader. I will help you. I will stand by your side as you help to guide everyone through this, but I have my own realm and my own problems to contend with. Decide now what future you want and figure out how to get there later.”
“It doesn’t change that I need you out there, ready to be the face of the Underworld. With Essos out of the picture, you need to step up.”
My head snaps back and away from him, surprised by the about-face, but his eyes flick over my shoulder to someone else. When I turn, I see Titus watching us from the shadows. Before I hurt someone, I take a deep breath and walk away.
I want to go to Cat, who I see standing nervously off to the side, but Finn stops me by holding his hand out in my direction.
“You know I may not be able to see what you need right now, but I am here. Always,” he assures me.
I slide my hand into his before embracing him. “I know. And I’m here for you too, if you ever want to escape Bria and Dion.”
“I’ll need one of them to bring me by the house.”
“Right, no transporting,” I say, wincing.
Finn scoffs. “Yes, but no. I have my powers back and so do Helene and Kai. I’m just not confident in that ability right now, so if my mother hens want to baby me for a little longer, then who am I to object?”
I chuckle then kiss his cheek. “We’ve gotten through a lot together. We can get through this together too,” I assure him.
Dion slides over and grabs Finn’s hand to lead him off to the side.
Cat is in a tight, pale pink gown. It hugs her every curve before flaring out at the knees for movement. She glances at me nervously, and a part of me dies that I’ve made her feel like this.
“I’m sorry,” I start, holding my hand up to silence her. “I should do better.”
Cat pulls me into a bone-crushing hug, unaware of her new strength. “Hon, your husband is in a magical coma. There is no doing better. Having you on two feet is unbelievable. I don’t think I would have gotten out of bed, so kudos to you for doing this. Just tell me what you need. I can tell Xavier to shove it.”
I force a smile. “I just want to get this over with.”
“Say no more.” Then my friend turns and actually snaps at the King of the Gods. Like an obedient dog, his head lifts to her. “Let’s get this moving.” His dark eyes shift to me before he nods.
Helene and Kai both offer me weak smiles, and I nod at them. I appreciate how they’re not crowding me. The only ones left backstage are the Titans, and the rulers, each paired off. Only I stand alone. Cat looks back at me, wanting to reach for me but I shake my head. If I’m out there alone, I may be able to handle this. Once someone offers me the comfort I’m missing, the comfort I want to seek in the solace of my husband’s arms, I’ll lose it.
Xavier is the first one out, with Cat on his arm. I follow behind them, and last come Helene and Kai. The crowd assembled before us looks to encompass all of Solarem. There are people as far as the eye can see, but in the front are friendly faces. Tink offers a wink and Dion raises a glass in my direction. I try to force a brave smile, but it comes out a grimace. Essos should be here at my side, celebrating this supposed victory, though I don’t know if I can call it a victory without him.
